Reading in ANY language makes you more versed and intelligent if you read at a challenging level. English is no different. The more you read, the more natural the language becomes to you.

I find English, which is my native language, to be beautiful because there are so many wonderful ways to convey your ideas,describe your feelings, tell a story, and so much more. Most books I've read in English are so enthralling that you forget you're even supposed to be studying. (and perhaps it's like that in other languages, but the only foreign language book I've read is Pobre Ana, and it wasn't exactly a page turner....)

Reading english is great. I didn't read much english before, but i started for about 3 three years ago and I beacame much better after having read some books in english. But i don't know if it is best to practice grammar or read books to improve your english fastest

Reading is a good way to improve enghish but sometime it's hard for us as second language but it does not mean that we have to stop reading in same time we can improve our enghlish in other ways t.v. and internet.

but as i think english reduce or destroy our mother languges people tend to use english expression in speaking in order to show superiorty and things like that ................................

sweets wrote:Reading is a good way to improve enghish but sometime it's hard for us as second language but it does not mean that we have to stop reading in same time we can improve our enghlish in other ways t.v. and internet.

but as i think english reduce or destroy our mother languges people tend to use english expression in speaking in order to show superiorty and things like that ................................

Reading itself is not a waste of time. It is a way of learning, widening your knowledge. Reading english materials will surely improve your english skills. So if you dont want or dont appreciate english language then it will be a waste of time for you but for those who are very eager and find english language very useful..in work , studies and for his /her entire life then its definitely NOT a waste of time.....

I think it really depends. If you're a beginner, it is a waste of time, cause you'll be guessing the pronunciation of a lot of words you don't know, and that'll just make your English hard to understand. Beginners should practice their English by listening a lot and then by speaking. When the learner has strong listening and speaking skills, then he/she can move on to reading.

If you're an advanced student, then reading should not be a waste of time... provided that you keep a good dictionary next to you so that you can always check the correct pronunciation of new words.

I hope this helps.

I don't agree that beginners should only listen or speak English. I think that reading helps people to improve their vocabulary and extend their horizons. I began learning English from reading.

That's completely untrue, because reader gain many things when they read much. First, Students, people, and none native speakers who don't have ability to read Englsih in correct way they can improve their reading by reading more and more. So the more youread the more you be perfect reader.

Second, Many people and leaders who always read a lot have a lot of experience in many things. For Instance, People who read old histories have a good knowledge and learn from mistakes that happened in last wars and histories and going to a void them.

I totally disagree. Reading English is the good way to improve your vocabulary and event your grammar. When you read regularly, you meet new words frequently so you can know them without trying to learn them by heart and it save you a lot of energy. Perhaps it take you a lot of time at the first time but it isn't waste and when you accustomed to reading, you can save a lot of time and learn not only English but also many things from this.

When you are reading a book or a story....you should read carefully to recognize the grammars the writer used....you can try to understand some words you don't know....or you can use the dictionary immediately.....and remember after use found it....retain it in mind....and recall it whenever you want it....

I would never say "reading in English is a waste of time". Reading in a second language is always an effort but it helps a lot. It is a good idea reading a magazine about a topic you really love (travelling, fashion, ...). In my opinion this is the best way of thinking you are learning and not wasting your time.

bruna wrote:I would never say "reading in English is a waste of time". Reading in a second language is always an effort but it helps a lot. It is a good idea reading a magazine about a topic you really love (travelling, fashion, ...). In my opinion this is the best way of thinking you are learning and not wasting your time.

Yes, you're right. In addition, when you start to read in a second language you'll spend more time than usually due to the fact that impossible to refuse your original mentality and the way of thinking but it trains your brain.